It is no secret that Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) is one of the largest growing sectors in Canada. Across the board, from computer science to biomedical and civil engineering, Canada is facing unprecedented job growth. With projected growth of up to 24% in computer science, for instance, it’s hard to deny that this is the future for many students.

While a STEM education offers tremendous mobility within the technical world it would be unfair to not discuss the cross-disciplinary benefits a STEM background provides. Unlike many other disciplines, there is significant opportunity to branch out and explore job opportunities in other sectors. The simple fact is, technology is so closely integrated with every facet of our lives that it is almost impossible to separate the two. And who builds, facilitates, maintains, and optimizes this technology we use? Industries like fintech, communications, accounting and law all need people with a STEM tool-belt and there is real demand. In short, the skillset a STEM based education provides is robust and offers great potential.

However, ask any STEM undergraduate and they will tell you it’s not easy. In fact, a remarkable 60% of first-year engineering students either don’t graduate or change majors before they are through. While students need to have diligence and an ability to see the big picture in order to achieve their degree, they also require the right educational groundwork before they even enter the program. It’s often the scaffolding of a STEM-heavy elementary and high school education that allows students to succeed in a post-secondary setting.

But what does this all mean? It means that now is the time to start lighting the STEM flame in your child to make sure they have the drive and knowledge to be a super STEM star.

At STEM2Space we have a passion for all things STEM. While at its core, our program is based upon building and programming Lego, it is so much more. Lego is undeniably fun; It allows you to build wild and unbelievable creations while being so intuitive that the lower limit of the age range seems frivolous. But also, Lego has many STEM applications peppered throughout. Children practice their math skills by counting the dimensions of pieces via their dots and numbering their parts. Kids also learn to follow instructions and read diagrams - key skills in picking up engineering software like SolidWorks. The very engineering-like skill of analysing 3D elements and parts and seeing how they operate in the whole is also worth mentioning.

Our programs are scientific and educational but most importantly fun. While a kid can have genuine interest in STEM, the flame will never be stoked without real enjoyment and real entertainment. While we love the act of building, assembling and programming, our favourite part of our classes is when students get to finally see their ultimate creations. The look on their face as they run to show off their masterpiece to their parents is authentic joy.